Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) Guide for Beginners
Nanjing Lukou International Airport is an extremely important aviation hub in Jiangsu Province. For complete beginners, the transportation network here is incredibly thoughtful and user-friendly. Whether you want to head to downtown Nanjing to visit the Zhongshan Mausoleum or travel directly to other cities in Anhui and Jiangsu, you can easily find the perfect transport option here.
How to get from Nanjing Airport to downtown and surrounding areas?
Option 1: The “Traffic-Jam Proof” Rail Transit (Subway) If you want to enter downtown Nanjing quickly and punctually without worrying about road congestion, the subway is your absolute best choice:
- Metro Line S1 (Airport Line): Fares range from 2 to 7 RMB. It seamlessly connects you from the airport to Nanjing’s highly developed subway network, making it incredibly convenient to reach major commercial areas.
Option 2: “Luggage-Friendly” City Airport Buses If you have a lot of large luggage and want to avoid carrying it up and down subway stairs, taking the airport bus is the most comfortable and hassle-free method:
- Main City Routes: Currently, the airport operates a rich variety of city routes, including Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, and the Jiangbei Line.
- Tourist Express Lines: Extremely friendly for beginner tourists, the airport also operates special lines to popular scenic spots: Line 4 (Niushoushan Scenic Area Line) and Line 5 (Zhongshan Mausoleum Scenic Area Line).
- Beginner Ticketing Tip: You can simply search for the WeChat official account “南京机场空港快线” (Nanjing Airport Express) on your phone to check specific route information and buy tickets online. Please note that specific departure times are subject to the announcements made on the day of travel.
Option 3: Regular Public Transit for Short Trips If you are only running errands in the nearby Jiangning or Lishui districts, or if you are looking for the most budget-friendly option, you can choose regular transit buses:
- Jiangning Bus 895: The fare is only 2 RMB. It departs from Xiangyulubei Metro Station, passes through Terminal 1, and terminates at Terminal 2 (Departure times: 6:20-9:20, 15:00-18:00). The return trip departs from Terminal 2, passes through Terminal 1, and heads back to Xiangyulubei Metro Station (Departure times: 7:05-10:05, 15:45-18:45). For inquiries, you can call Jiangning Transit at: 025-962013.
- Lishui Bus 128: The fare is also 2 RMB. It runs from Sheng Lizhongxi to Terminal 1 (Departure times: 5:40-17:25). The return trip runs from Terminal 1 back to Sheng Lizhongxi (Departure times: 6:40-18:25). For inquiries, call Lishui Transit at: 025-56209100.
Option 4: The Massive “Intercity Bus” Network (to other cities) If your final destination is not Nanjing but another city in the Yangtze River Delta, don’t bother going to a downtown bus station! You can take a cross-city coach directly from Lukou Airport!
Ticketing Method: For all the intercity buses mentioned above, you can similarly search the WeChat official account “南京机场空港快线” (Nanjing Airport Express) to check the daily departure information and purchase your tickets.
Within Jiangsu Province: Buses run directly to numerous counties and cities including Shuyang, Huai’an, Taizhou, Taixing, Jingjiang, Yangzhou, Yizheng, Jiangdu, Gaoyou, Baoying, Zhenjiang, Jurong, Danyang, Yangzhong, Changzhou, Jintan, Liyang, Yixing, and Jiangyin.
Cross-Province (Anhui Direction): The airport also provides intercity buses directly to cities and counties in Anhui Province, such as Wuhu, Chuzhou, Tianchang, Ma’anshan, and Lai’an.
Comprehensive Services at Nanjing Lukou Airport
Where can I eat at Lukou Airport?
Dining options at Nanjing Lukou Airport are highly diverse. You’ll find familiar Western fast food and coffee brands like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Starbucks, as well as local Jiangnan delicacies such as Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup, Nanjing Salted Duck, and Jinling Soup Dumplings. Options are available both before and after security, ensuring beginners won’t go hungry.
Are there vegetarian or Halal restaurants?
Many noodle shops and casual Chinese eateries in the airport offer pure vegetarian options. In addition, to accommodate travelers with special dietary or religious needs, there are usually dedicated restaurants with clear Halal certification signs inside the terminal.
Where can I stay near Lukou Airport?
If you arrive on a late-night flight or have an early morning departure, there is an official Pullman Hotel located right at the airport, which can be reached directly on foot. Furthermore, within a few kilometers of the airport, there is a large concentration of budget chain hotels and business inns, the vast majority of which offer free 24-hour airport shuttle services.
Where can I shop at Lukou Airport?
If you are taking an international or regional flight, you can buy tax-free cosmetics, perfumes, liquors, and international boutiques at the Duty-Free shops in the restricted area. In the domestic zones, there are convenience stores, bookstores, and specialty shops selling Nanjing souvenirs (such as vacuum-packed Salted Duck and Yuhua tea), making one-stop shopping easy for beginners.
Where can I get a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device?
Telecommunication service counters and automatic kiosks are typically located near the exit of the international arrival hall. Overseas travelers can use their passports here to conveniently purchase local prepaid SIM cards or rent portable Wi-Fi devices.
Where can I exchange currency or find ATMs?
Foreign currency exchange counters (like Travelex) are available in the international arrival and departure areas to help travelers exchange RMB. ATMs from major Chinese banks are widely distributed throughout the terminal, allowing you to withdraw cash directly using overseas bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay logos.
How do I store/check my luggage?
“Luggage Storage” service desks are generally available in the departure and arrival halls. If you have a long layover and want to take the subway to downtown Nanjing to visit the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) without carrying heavy bags, you can securely store your luggage at the airport for a small fee based on the number of items and the storage duration.
